Middlesex County

Recent Articles

Middlesex County Arts Grant Program Accepting Applications

The Middlesex County Office of Cultural and Heritage is pleased to announce that its 2016 Arts Grant Program will soon be accepting online applications. Not-for-profit organizations and municipal groups based in Middlesex County are eligible to apply. The grant cycle covers the period of January 15 to December 31, 2016. Grant applications are processed electronically using an online submission program. Guidelines for submitting an application are available on the Middlesex County website: http://www.co.middlesex.nj.us/Government/Departments/BDE/Documents/arts%20grants%20readers%202016.pdf

Important dates for those seeking arts grants:

September 16, 2015 – 5:30pm – Grant Writing Workshop – presented at East Jersey Old Town Village, 1050 River Road, Piscataway. Continue Reading →

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Local Lenni-Lenape Sites Mentioned in 1915 Survey Article

The Treaty of Penn with the Indians by Benjamin West.

Years ago, the Dunellen area was not covered by roadways and mini-malls. Instead, the Lenni-Lenape hunted its forests and cultivated its land. However, by the 18th century, most of those surviving disease and intertribal conflict had been pushed out of their homelands and moved west, first to Ohio and then to Oklahoma. (Information on the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe whose headquarters is in Bridgeton, Cumberland County can be found on its website). An article in the 1915 Geological Survey of New Jersey, “Indian Remains near Plainfield, Union County, and along the Lower Delaware Valley by Leslie Spier,” mentions Lenni-Lenape sites that had been identified a century ago. Continue Reading →

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Middlesex County to host “Clara Barton” on July 4

On Saturday, July 4, 2015, Pat Jordan of the American Historical Theatre will portray “Clara Barton” in a special presentation with performances at 1 and 3p.m. This free event, hosted by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Office of Cultural and Heritage, will take place inside East Jersey Old Town’s Indian Queen Tavern, located at 1050 River Road in Piscataway. Clara Barton was a celebrated Civil War nurse. She began her career as a teacher and started a school in Hightstown, New Jersey. Barton answered Abraham Lincoln’s request for nurses to join the Union forces. She earned the name “Angel of the Battlefield” for her heroic efforts, including going to the front lines. Continue Reading →

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County to Offer Backyard Farmer Workshop

The Cooperative Extension of Middlesex County is holding a new program for those interested in implementing farming techniques on their residential property. Raising Chickens in Your Backyard will take place on Wednesday, June 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the EARTH Center in Davidsons Mill Pond Park, 42 Riva Ave., South Brunswick NJ. This free workshop will be hosted by Dr. Joseph Heckman, who has been raising chickens on pasture since 2005. Dr. Heckman will discuss many details on raising backyard poultry starting with baby chicks, coops, feeder systems, sourcing feed, protection from predators, and the collection and care of eggs. On display will be a small flock of chickens in a movable coop. Continue Reading →

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Middlesex County History Day, May 31

History lovers of all ages are invited to East Jersey Olde Towne Village for a site-wide celebration filled with demonstrations, performances, and other family-friendly activities. The first Middlesex County History Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 31. Olde Towne Village is located inside Johnson Park at 1050 River Road in Piscataway. Demonstrations will include blacksmithing, wool carding, yarn spinning, weaving, chair caning, antique clocks, furniture making and 19th century decorative painting techniques. The Local History Tent will feature exhibits and displays that will be brought to life by the members of 20 historical societies and groups including the Dunellen Historical Society. Continue Reading →

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Diner Exhibit Gallery Talk at Lowe House

A special open house and evening meet and greet with museum staff and guest curator Michael Gabriele will be held on May 21, 7pm at the Cornelius Low House/Middlesex County Museum. This is a unique opportunity to view the museum’s current exhibit “Icons of American Culture: History of New Jersey Diners” with those that helped bring the exhibit together. Copies of Mr. Gabriele’s book “The History of Diners in New Jersey” will be available for purchase and signing. Light Refreshments will be served. The museum is located at 1225 River Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 Continue Reading →

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County to hold Birthday Party for Nonagenarians

birthday cake dunellen411

The Middlesex County Office of Aging and Disabled Services will once again hold Birthday Bashes for senior citizens age 90 and over as part of its National Older Americans Month celebration. Each celebrant is invited with one guest. A few spots remain for this year, but registration is required. “We are happy we can give these special seniors a chance to enjoy the “limelight” with the recognition luncheon and entertainment,” said Gerry Mackenzie, Community Services Department Head. The Piscataway luncheon (scheduled for May 20) will honor residents of Carteret, Dunellen, Highland Park, Middlesex, New Brunswick, Piscataway and South Plainfield. Continue Reading →

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Free Tuition Program at MCC for Volunteer Firefighters & EMS Personnel

Middlesex County Freeholders H. James Polos and Kenneth Armwood have announced that the County will offer volunteer firefighters and Emergency Management Services personnel a free tuition program through Middlesex County College. The Middlesex County Volunteer Tuition Waiver Program will be offered to one eligible volunteer firefighter and one eligible EMS volunteer from each municipality. To qualify, they must be identified and authorized by their individual organizations and must be active members in good standing. Participants may take up to 6 credits per semester at Middlesex County College – and a lifetime maximum of 24 credits. The program covers tuition only. Continue Reading →

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Middlesex County Hosts Spring Cultural Events

Throughout the month of March, Middlesex County is showcasing how various cultures celebrate spring. The Folklife Program for New Jersey is partnering with the County to host the events at the historic Indian Queen Tavern at East Jersey Olde Towne Village in Johnson Park. “Spring Celebration: A Celtic Music Journey with Heather Mulvey” will be presented at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 22. A New Jersey native, Ms. Mulvey is an acoustic guitarist who shares her Irish heritage through song and story. Admission is free of charge. Continue Reading →

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Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day on March 15

The Middlesex County Division of Solid Waste Management will be holding its next Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day Sunday, March 15, 2015. This event is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Middlesex County College, Mill Road entrance, in Edison. Hazardous wastes that are improperly disposed of are potentially dangerous to children and animals, a potential cause of ground water and other environmental pollution, and a potential threat to garbage collection crews. Acceptable materials include but are not limited to: pesticides/herbicides, flammable liquids, solvents, pool chemicals, used motor oil, oil filters, paints, rechargeable and button cell batteries, anti-freeze, propane tanks, fluorescent light bulbs, including compact fluorescent bulbs (no broken bulbs) and asbestos. Residents wishing to bring asbestos must pre-register by calling the Division. Continue Reading →

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